Tourist centers fall victim to budget cuts

The Bristol County Visitor Centers on Interstate 195 in Swansea and I-95 in Mansfield will close Sunday, the victim of Gov Deval Patrick's budget cuts.

NEW BEDFORD STANDARD-TIMES

The Bristol County Visitor Centers on Interstate 195 in Swansea and I-95 in Mansfield will close Sunday, the victim of Gov. Deval Patrick's budget cuts.

In announcing the closures, Arthur Motta, executive director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: "This is a blow to regional tourism promotion in Bristol County, but it was not unexpected. These centers also provide rest area services to commuters, interstate travelers and truckers.

"We understand the funding situation and the simple fact that the state cannot provide support if the revenue is not there," Motta said. But he pointed out that, without state funding, "operating these centers is not possible."

Motta went on to say: "We will continue the important revenue-driving work of tourism promotion to the communities of Bristol County ... the (bureau) board will create new ways to promote our destinations in partnership with the many stakeholders in tourism, which is Massachusetts' third largest industry."